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Château Larrivet Haut-Brion in Pessac-Léognan is planting trees, hedges and flowers between the vines on a 12-hectare "vineyard of the future". This is how the château intends to "tackle the climate challenges of tomorrow", explained a spokesperson. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Malbec is also planted in the plot. Although this variety is authorised for Bordeaux, it has only been planted on around 900 hectares of vines since the frost catastrophe in 1956. It will make up a maximum of 5 per cent of the finished cuvée. According to the team at Larrivet Haut-Brion, this is intended to maintain the sensory balance in the wines despite the expected rise in temperature.
The 12-hectare plot, which accounts for around 17 per cent of the estate's vineyards, is located within the 70-hectare estate, 13 hectares of which are "semi-wild parkland". There are three ponds as well as unmown areas and dead trees that provide a natural habitat for insects, songbirds, bats, amphibians and even otters. This park forms the "basis for the development of the project".
Last November, the last old rootstocks of the vines were removed. Hedges, flowers and trees will be planted by March 2024. After a regeneration phase, the new vines will be planted by 2026. With regard to pruning methods, trellis height and intercropping, the company does not yet want to commit itself, but rather act according to the respective needs. The planting density in the plot will be reduced from 7,700 vines per hectare to 6,500 in order to minimise water competition. The trees reduce the yield potential by a further ten per cent. But this is the only way to preserve the ecosystem, as the team says: "We lose between one and two tonnes of soil per hectare every year. This massive erosion is highly linked to the loss of vegetation in the environment and will only accelerate. Vines find their best ally in trees."
(al / source: drinksbusiness)
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